It has been said that “Culture is the sum of all the forms of art, of love, and of thought,” and one of the most profound ways to experience culture is through travel. Whether contemplating traditional Peking Opera or marveling as a graffiti artist practices his craft, experiencing the art of a destination is key to understanding it. For everyone interested in the ancient and the modern, the fine and the popular, Fairmont hotels have forged partnerships that give us access to artistic endeavors the world over.
Artists, in Residence
Fairmont has had a long history of supporting local artists, with many periodically hosting artist-in-residence programs. This year The Fairmont Banff Springs celebrates 125 years of hospitality and is launching a program in partnership with Mountain Galleries. Each month the artist chosen by Mountain Galleries will live and paint in the hotel for one week. They will work in designated spots throughout the hotel, giving us the opportunity to watch the art come to life. The program will give us the chance to become inspired artists ourselves with the Artist in Residence Package. Available the third week of every month, the package includes two nights luxury accommodation, welcome reception and an artist led seminar. Rates start at $249 CAD.
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is in the midst of planning a 2013 Summer Young Musicians in Residence Program in partnership with PianoSonoma that will bring a variety of talented young artists to the resort. Gifted young Julliard artists will perform complimentary concerts in the Lobby Living Room, which will feature cameo performances from celebrated soloists. PianoSonoma is a unique music festival that brings together Young Artists, current conservatory music majors or recent graduates, and adult musicians to collaborate and perform in private and public concerts and outreach workshops in Sonoma County. Summer rates at the resort start at $439 USD.
The Fairmont Dallas has welcomed its first Artist in Residence of 2013, Phoenix-based graffiti artist DOSE. After twenty years as an urban artist working on abandoned public spaces and warehouses, DOSE gradually began to create multimedia graffiti art on canvas, a more traditional medium. Most recently, his colorful work has been featured in the Phoenix Art Museum and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Currently DOSE is living full-time in one of the hotel’s luxurious 25th floor suites and working in a glass-front studio located on the hotel’s “O” level. At the conclusion of the residency, a custom piece will be donated to the hotel’s permanent art collection. For art lovers, The Discover Dallas Art Package includes a private lesson in the “Art of Making Art” with The Fairmont Dallas’ Artist-in-Residence, an ongoing program with rotating artists throughout the year, and a lesson in the “Art of Buying Art” with a representative from The Gallery at The Fairmont. We can also explore the Dallas Arts District with two tickets to the Nasher Sculpture Center, located just steps from the hotel. Rates start from $169 USD per night.
The Art of History
This summer at Colorado’s Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge we can discover the rich history of Telluride through the eyes of knowledgeable local, Ashley Boling. The Telluride Historical Walking Tour provides a look at the mining town turned ski town and all the history that goes along with it. For even more insight, we can visit the Telluride Historical Museum, which will receive a $25 USD donation for each reservation. We will enjoy two- or three-bedroom accommodations, which sleep a maximum of six and eight people, respectively. The Telluride Historical Package includes tickets for the Telluride Historical Walking Tour for two, entrance to the Telluride Historical Museum for two, complimentary airport transportation from Telluride or Montrose Airports and complimentary valet parking. Available June – August, 2013, rates start at $850 USD for a three-night stay.
Travel to Fairmont Beijing and combine the best of the city’s past traditions and its contemporary art scene with the Behind the Scenes at the Peking Opera & 798 Arts District Package. Escorted by a private, English-speaking guide, the day begins at 798 art district with a guided gallery tour where we will have the opportunity to meet artists face-to-face. In this decommissioned factory complex, the latest trends in Chinese contemporary art emerge. After lunch, the afternoon steps back in time over 200 years to explore one of China’s national treasures – Peking opera. We will visit the former home of one of the masters of Peking opera, get behind the scenes at a rehearsal of the National Peking Opera Company and cap off the day by attending a performance at one of China’s oldest opera houses. Including accommodation and breakfast for two daily as well as a private guide, transportation and entry tickets for 798 and Peking opera tour for two, the package is available through June 30, 2013 with rates starting from CNY 3,115 ($500 USD) per night with a minimum two-night stay.
Fairmont Makati is bringing s a Cultural City Exploration package that shows off the colorful culture of the Philippines. After museum visits and stopovers to popular historical destinations, we can then discover a favorite local delicacy with a special Filipino Afternoon High Tea. The package includes accommodation, daily breakfast for two people, hotel car services during the tour, a visit to Ayala Museum, Yuchengco Museum and the Filipinas Heritage Library, a Filipino-themed Afternoon High Tea for two at the Fairmont Lounge and a 60-minute signature spa treatments for two at the Willow Stream Spa. Available year-round, rates start at PHP 22,000 ($540 USD).
Walk in the footsteps of the U.S.’s revolutionary founders and relive history when you walk Boston’s famed Freedom Trail. Featuring sixteen historic sites, all significant to the country’s early struggle for freedom, the Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile red brick line that connects the past to the present. The Fairmont Copley Plaza’s Freedom Trail Discovery Package includes a one-night stay in an elegant guestroom, two passes to the Walk Into History tour with an 18th Century costumed guide, two tickets to the three Freedom trail historic museums, and a copy of The Freedom Trail: An Artist’s View. Available year-round, rates start at $289 USD per night.
Artist McAlpine Miller was inspired by stars from The Savoy’s rich history for a new collection of paintings that were unveiled in mid November. To celebrate, the iconic London hotel has created an Icons Package to allow us to follow in the footsteps of some of these famous visitors and experience the property’s exceptional Personality Suites. The package includes one night accommodation in a Personality Suite, which honors just a few of the more high-profile figures who made The Savoy their London home - Noel Coward, Marlene Dietrich, Frank Sinatra and Richard Harris. The package also includes a special tour with the Hotel Archivist, breakfast, a bottle of Champagne in room upon arrival and a £100 GBP spa treatment credit per person. Available year-round, rates start from £1,600 GBP.
”A hotel for the outdoor adventurer and alpinist,” was the vision of Cornelius Van Horne, general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway. By 1892 The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise was a mountaineer’s paradise, complete with guides from the Swiss Alps taking past guests into the great outdoors – and in 1997 this tradition was revived with an in house team of modern Mountain Heritage Guides. The history of the Railway and Mountain Heritage Guide program comes together with the Heritage Railway Hotel Package. The package includes accommodation and an activity for two with the hotel’s Mountain Heritage Guides, where we will hear stories from days past, learn about wildlife and pick up tips on how to make the most of our journey. Also available is a self guided tour of the Mount Temple Wing lobby gallery, detailing the history of The Chateau, the development of the railway and the Lake Louise area. Available year round, rates start from $359 CAD.
Beatlemania swept across North America and Montréal in the early 60s, and on September 8, 1964, they gave two concerts during their only visit to the city, when 21,000 adoring fans descended on the Montréal Forum. That night, the Fab Four were to stay at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth after their performance, but fearing a riot, the authorities recommended they leave town instead. Not wanting them to fly out on an empty stomach, the hotel’s Room Service Captain whipped up a special meal that he delivered to the concert hall. Fifty years later, Pointe-à-Callière Museum is revisiting history with an exhibition about the mythical band. The Beatles in Montréal package includes one night accommodation, admission for two at the exhibition and souvenirs. Available March 29 through the end of the year, rates from $239 CAD.
Art Inside & Out
Fairmont Pacific Rim was designed by James Cheng, the architect whose green glass towers helped create the term “Vancouverism,” which combines the best of Asia and the West Coast. Building on this artistic legacy, the hotel displays an array of photography, is home to two large public art pieces, features two art exhibitions and is a strong partner of the local artistic community. This year the hotel has created a seasonal package that allows us to experience all of this with the Designed to Perfection package. The package includes accommodation in a Deluxe Room, signature welcome amenity with the hotel’s “Room for Passion” book, a self-guided art & design tour of the hotel, Guided Architecture tour of Vancouver with the Architectural Institute of BC, VIP Passes to the Vancouver Art Gallery and a picnic lunch from Giovane. Rates start from $499 CAD.
Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv’s Art Package shows off the high style of this fast-growing European city. With an international reputation for cutting edge culture, The First International Biennale of Contemporary Art in Ukraine, ARSENALE, turned heads in 2012 (and will again in 2014). Including two-night’s accommodation, the package includes a private tour of the Pinchuk Art Center, an international centre for 21st Century art founded by billionaire philanthropist Viktor Pinchuk. Also included are airport and rail transfers to and from the hotel and breakfast for two daily. Available Friday through Monday for a two-night minimum stay, the package is available year-round with rates starting from €898.
Art lovers can go behind the lens this summer with The Magenta Foundation’s annual Flash Forward Festival Boston. Open to both professional artists and members of the general public, the one-of-a-kind photography event will take place from May 16 through 19, 2013 at Fairmont Battery Wharf. Everyone from the ardent art aficionado to the casual admirer will delight in this educational and eye-catching extravaganza, which will include indoor and outdoor exhibition space. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, the festival will feature a carefully curated program of lectures, panel discussions, exhibitions and receptions. In addition to showcasing the work of emerging photographers from North America and the United Kingdom, Flash Forward Festival Boston will also give us the opportunity to network with important industry personalities, gallery owners, content developers and potential patrons. Rates at the hotel during the festival start at $469 USD.
Fairmont Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra join together in harmony to offer music lovers the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Package. Offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Heinz Hall, home of the world-renowned PSO, the offer also includes fantastic seats to a classical, pops or holiday performance. Seven-day advance purchase is required for the package, which is available Fridays-Sundays from March-June 2013 and September-December 2013, based on the PSO schedule. The package also includes overnight accommodation, dinner for two at Habitat restaurant before the show, and a dessert amenity with a note from Maestro Manfred Honeck himself. Rates start at $419 USD.
Allan Scott, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Art Gallery of Alberta, is the keynote speaker for an art-infused weekend in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Spend four days surrounded by majestic mountains at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge where you will get the chance to reconnect with nature through art. Four artists will offer special art workshops and classes over a two day period, with us taking home our very own work of art. The Food for the Soul Art Package includes three-nights’ accommodation, welcome reception, lunch and dinner on Saturday & Sunday, art sessions, self-made art to take home, gratuities and art supplies. Available April 12 - 15, 2013, rates start from $699 CAD per person.
This summer, the Grimaldi Forum of Monaco is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Pablo Picasso’s death with an event featuring more than 150 works of art from a remarkable private collection. The Fairmont Monte Carlo is offering the opportunity to visit “Picasso and the Côte d’Azur” from July 12 to September 15, 2013, when we will be able to take in the art of this master, in the region where he spent many summers. The Monaco Celebrates Picasso package includes accommodation, two tickets to the exhibition, buffet breakfast and all VAT and service charges. Rates start from €395.
Culturally Relevant
Fairmont Kea Lani, recently voted as having the “Best Hawaiian Cultural Program” on Maui, offers a range of activities for us who want a taste of local culture. Led by full-time Cultural Coach Jonelle Kamai, the program offers authentic Hawaiian experiences that range from educational classes, to cultural music and celebrations, to local dining experiences. Explore some of Maui’s historical sites, such as Lahaina Town, Pi’ilani Heiau, Iao Valley and the Olowalu Petroglyphs, or visit attractions such as the Bailey House Museum, Maui Arts & Cultural Center and The Baldwin Sugar Museum. Rates at the resort start from $519 USD.
A Masai Cultural Experience at Fairmont Mara Safari Club gives guests the opportunity to meet Kenya’s most unique tribe – the Masai. With this offer we can visit a local Masai Manyatta (village) and experience the traditional way of living. Traditional huts made from mud and sealed with cow dung; demonstrations of the Masai women creating intricate, vivid and multicolored necklaces, bracelets and belts; traditional Masai dances performed by the males of the tribe and more is possible. Back at the camp we can spend the afternoon on the banks of the Mara River before heading for guided walks and game drives in Kenya’s most famous reserve. This package includes accommodation in a luxurious riverfront tent, breakfast, lunch and dinner, a game drive, park fees, a 2-hour walking safari, and a visit to the Massai Manyatta. Available year-round, rates start from $649 USD.
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It is my pleasure to introduce you to Fairmont President’s Club…
Fairmont President’s Club, a recognition program designed with your individual travel preferences, passions and interests in mind. Committed in providing benefits and privileges that offer convenience and access to what you want when you travel.
Membership is complimentary and your Fairmont President’s Club experience begins the moment you arrive at any of the Fairmont luxury hotels with a private reception desk offering express check-in and checkout and continues during your stay with complimentary high-speed internet access and local calling, Fairmont Fit, complimentary use of TaylorMade golf Clubs at select hotels, exclusive savings at Willow Stream Spas, Fairmont Store and so much more. Sign up today & enjoy the wonderful benefits tomorrow!
May 20, 2013
